Czechia will convert part of its largest hydropower complex into a 154 MW pumped storage facility capable of storing up to 750 MWh of energy.
Czech energy utility CEZ has announced plans to develop the country’s fourth major pumped storage hydropower facility through the modernisation of the existing Orlik hydropower complex.
The project will replace two Kaplan turbines with reversible Francis turbines, enabling water to be pumped from the lower Kamyk dam into the Orlik reservoir for energy storage. The upgraded facility will provide 154 MW of capacity and up to 750 MWh of storage in a single cycle.
The storage capacity is equivalent to the daily electricity consumption of around 80,000 households and will increase the country’s pumped storage capability by more than 12%.
Construction is expected to begin in phases from 2027, with commissioning targeted by 2033. The project represents the largest modern hydropower upgrade undertaken in Czechia and is expected to play an important role in supporting grid stability and renewable energy integration.